Jamaican dancehall superstar Vybz Kartel has added another prestigious accolade to his storied career, winning the Best Caribbean Music Act at the 2026 MOBO Awards.
The award was announced on Thursday night during the ceremony held at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester. Kartel, widely regarded as the “King of Dancehall” and self-proclaimed “Worl’ Boss,” emerged victorious in a fiercely competitive category that highlighted the vibrancy of Caribbean sounds on the global stage.
He beat out a strong shortlist featuring fellow Jamaicans Masicka, Shenseea, Lila Iké, and Ayetian, as well as Trinidad and Tobago’s soca artist Yung Bredda. The category celebrates outstanding contributions to Caribbean music, with a focus on its influence and presence in the United Kingdom.
This marks Kartel’s first competitive win at the MOBO Awards. In 2025, he received the MOBO Impact Award, recognizing his profound influence on Black music and culture even while incarcerated. His 2026 triumph comes amid a remarkable resurgence following his release from prison in July 2024, after his murder conviction was overturned by Jamaica’s Court of Appeal due to issues including juror misconduct. He had served for over a decade behind bars.
The eligibility period for the 2026 awards covered releases from September 2024 to October 2025, including Kartel’s album Heart & Soul released in August 2025. His enduring catalog and recent output continue to define modern dancehall, blending raw energy, social commentary, and infectious rhythms that have influenced artists across genres worldwide.
Kartel did not take home the Best International Act prize, which went to Nigerian artist Ayra Starr. Nevertheless, his victory in the Caribbean category underscores dancehall’s growing prominence in Europe’s premier celebration of Black music, the MOBO Awards, founded to honor achievements in genres rooted in Black culture.
Since regaining his freedom, Kartel has maintained a prolific presence, dropping new music and reconnecting with fans through high-profile performances, including plans for major concerts. His win at the 2026 MOBOs signals not just personal triumph but the continued elevation of Caribbean music on international platforms.
